Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton playing at All-Pro level

Second, Danny Shelton is stopping the run. Last year and in the preseason, Shelton was being driven backwards off the ball. He was mainly single-teamed in the running game. Offenses were able to block him with a center one-on-one (something Browns’ centers need to figure out). The result was guards and tackles running freely to the second level,blocking linebackers.

However, this season is much different. Rarely does Danny Shelton see single blocks in the run game. When he does, Shelton usually makes them pay for it.

Here Shelton is blocked one-on-one with the center. Shelton uses leverage to overpower the center driving him into the backfield. The running back does not stand a chance when Shelton throws the center and makes the tackle.

Shelton did not make tackles like this last season. However, because blocking him one-on-one is failing, teams have resorted to double-teaming him.

Double-teaming Shelton has not worked out very well for opponents either. He continues to gain penetration and either make the play or re-route the running back outside for an easy tackle.

In this less than glamorous play, Danny Shelton shows exactly why he is playing at an All-Pro level. He takes on a double-team. He drives the double-team into the backfield disrupting the running lane of the back. The back is then forced to choose, does he run into the mountain of Danny Shelton or does he bounce the play outside? The play is re-routed and stopped for a short gain.

These types of plays are rarely noticed by fans but keep opposing offensive coordinators up at night. Shelton’s play against the run is one of the best in the league.